IN GOD WE TRUST

by Carlos Contreras
(Mississauga, Ontario, Canada)

On Feb. 2004, I was confined at Medical City, Philippines and subjected to Cysto Uertheroscopy RGP operation. After I was discharged, my younger brother told me that he also underwent the same operation and was able to claim benefit from the Social Security System after 6 months.

After 5 days, I took the chance and went to the Pasig City Social Security System (SSS) Branch and filed all the documents for approval. However, the branch office advised me to just go back after 6 months. On Aug. 9, 2004, I went back to the Pasig City SSS Branch and re-filed my application where the attending physician reviewed all the documents and asked a few questions. The reception was not good as the attending physician was not quite accommodating and advised me to just wait for a letter from the SSS.

After filing my application letter and supporting documents, I prayed everyday to the Lord to have my request approved because of my financial difficulties and needs. On Sept. 3, 2004, I received a letter from SSS Pasig Branch containing all my application letter and supporting documents with the note from the attending physician " REJECTED" stating that there was no sign that certain parts of my body were removed to qualify me for the partial disability benefit.

My heart sank and tears of sadness fell my cheek, but then, I recalled the previous incident that happened in the later part of 1999 when in spite of rejection of my application for partial disability benefit for Diabetes treatment (Oct. 1997), by the Love and Mercy of God, I was able to claim my culdwell-luc operation (also in Oct. 1997) through a one time lump sum partial disability benefit from SSS which I never imagined to happen.

Because of my dire need and faith that God can make things happen, on Sept. 6, 2004, I brought all the documents and re-filed my application to SSS - Main Office at Quezon City While on the waiting line, one of the applicants saw my rejected application form and suggested that I fill up a new form so the rejected application remarks will not be noticed (as if new application) which I did. The stranger also told me that the SSS receptionist is very strict and quite rude. So, I prayed to God to let my application pass through the receptionist.

When the SSS receptionist received the papers, she immediately informed me that the nature of my sickness and operation is not claimable, but then, she stood up and approached the senior physician, Dr. Rebecca Sison. After a couple of minutes, they called me to come inside and sat beside the table of Dr. Sison while my papers were being examined.

Then the physician informed me that my request can not be approved. Like in the previous case, I felt very sad but explained to the doctor that I pursued the matter because of my brother's case. I was told that maybe the case of my brother was different. I was fighting hope against hope.

After a few minutes, suddenly, the doctor asked me about my diabetes (supporting documents contain my laboratory tests and treatment of diabetes and asthma simultaneous with my cysto uretheroscopy RGP operation) and advised me to get a medical certificate from my doctor (internist/endocrinologist) together with all my laboratory tests, doctor's prescription, confinements, etc.

The following day, I requested for a medical certificate, attached all the supporting documents and went back the following day to SSS - Main Office.

I went directly to Dr. Sison, and during those 3 days (Sept. 6, 7, and 8) I felt that God was already up to something. I realized that God was using certain people especially Dr. Sison whom I found to be so kind hearted, very motherly, very simple, very accommodating, and very religious. I was feeling like being lifted up after all the stress and hassles and especially for being treated very personal as if I was her sick son.

Other medical doctors and staffs call her "Mother" which made me wonder why. But then, as the processing of my papers and bank account was being done, I realized that Dr. Sison was so loved and respected by all the employees in her department and I also realized being under the care of a wonderful, loving, simple, and dedicated doctor, employee, mother, and servant of God who shines brightly doing the Will of the Lord. Based on our conversation, she did not aspire to become a rich doctor but to serve the sick, the needy, and the poor.

September 28, 2004, after office, I went to the Chapel at SM Megamall to spend time with the Lord. As tears roll down my cheek, I said... Lord, I know that it is You who urged me to go on with my application for SSS benefit. In spite of the odds, I trusted Your Love and Mercy, Lord. I am heavily burdened Lord and You know it. For I said in my haste, "I am cut off from before Your eyes", Nevertheless, You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried out to You. I CLAIM that my request is already GIVEN in Jesus Name.”

When I arrived home, I saw an envelope from SSS addressed to me. At that point, there was mixture of fear and joy as my hair stood still because the envelope was different from the previous one that I received.

It was thin and already show signs of remittance to my bank account (ATM payroll since I have no other bank account) When I opened and read the letter, PRAISE THE LORD!, I was overwhelmed with joy to know that I was granted an advance accrued pension of 3 months and shall receive a 15 month pension for my Diabetes.

Indeed Lord, You are Love. You are Merciful. You are Good. As I have promised You, I gave the 10 % to the Renewal Community where You called me to serve last night. I shall also share even more my blessings to others especially to the poor, to the needy, to the abandoned, and to the neglected.

Lord, please bless Dr. Sison with Good Health, Peace, and Joy for her kindness, care, and motherly love, in Jesus Name. I am sure she is a blessing to my family and to many more.

Friends, we have seen how God works through other people. We have seen how other people touched our lives through their sharing, compassion, testimonies and deep love and obedience to the Lord. Our life could be better if we can follow the example of people who allow themselves to become Light and Salt, who allow themselves to be used by God in doing His Work through the Power of the Holy Spirit.

There are many lessons to learn from this experience. First, God wants us to remain faithful, patient, and trustful in His Love, in His Goodness, in His Mercy, and in His own Mysterious Ways. Second, that for man, it is impossible, but, for God, everything is possible. Third, that God uses other people as
instruments in answering our prayers, doing His Will, etc., who responds to His call to put Christ's teachings into practice. And fourth, that when we receive blessings and share them to the needy and bear witness to God's Glory, more will be given.

Thank you so much Lord in spite of my unworthiness. All Praise and Glory to God!

Carlos Contreras
Mississauga, Ontario (Canada)